Manny Ramirez, shown here with the Sacramento River Cats, played 17 games in the Pacific Coast League in May and June. / John Walker, AP

by Scott Boeck, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Boeck, USA TODAY Sports

Manny Ramirez returned to the Dominican Winter League after an 18-year absence with a bang.

Ramirez, whose 555 home runs ranks 15 all-time in the majors, sent the first pitch he saw over the right-field fence and the fans, and bullpen, went crazy has he rounded the bases.

It was his debut with the Las Aguilas Eagles on Wednesday night. The Eagles lost 3-2 to Escogido.

Ramirez, 40, attempted a comeback to the majors with the Oakland Athletics earlier this season. He played 17 games in the Pacific Coast League with the Class AAA Sacramento Rivers Cats from May 19 to June 14.

But the Athletics didn't see enough out of Ramirez and did not call him up after he completed his April 2011 drug suspension.

Ramirez, a 12-time major league All-Star, dodged the question about whether he was attempting another comeback when he first rejoined the team.

"I'm not thinking about the big leagues now," said Ramirez. "Right now I'm thinking of helping the Eagles to win games and then, if any offer, then I'll think of baseball."